Thursday, 16 May 2013

Nigerian Business Aviation Conference celebrates a successful first event

Segun Demuren, MD of EAN, opens the first
Nigerian Business Aviation Conference.

The first ever Nigerian Business
Aviation Conference hosted by Evergreen Apple Nigeria (EAN) on Tuesday the 7th
May proved to be a resounding success for the organisers, delegates and
speakers. Held at the prestigious Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos over one hundred
delegates registered to take part and listen to an international speaker and
panellist line up.The conference was designed to provide a
platform for raising awareness of the growing business aviation industry in
Nigeria and hosted by dynamic chair Alasdair Whyte
provided attendees with a lively debate discussing a range of topics.

Segun Demuren, MD/CEO of hosts EAN opened the meeting
outlining the need for a better understanding of the value of business aviation
in Nigeria as an economic driver for the country and surrounding regions, and
its significance in developing international business.The finance session was led by
Segun Agbaje, MD of one of Nigeria’s leading financial
houses GT Bank, the platinum sponsor of the event, discussed the requirements of
the bank when considering financing aircraft. Character and integrity of the
customer is said to be as important as collateral and assets. Agbaje also noted
that Nigeria had experienced “high octane growth” in the last few years making
it the largest market for business jet purchase in Africa, even topping South
Africa. “We are more used to financing rice and fish so aviation is a good way
for us to expand business,” he commented.The delegates also heard from the major
OEMs in a panel featuring sales directors from sponsors Gulfstream, Embraer and
Dassault alongside representatives of Bombardier and Cessna in the region. All
remain optimistic about the future growth of sales in the region giving at least
an eight out of ten when asked where on the scale of sales growth they
positioned Nigeria. However the enthusiasm was tempered by the reality that in
order to sell aircraft, service centre and maintenance were major
considerations. The expense of flying an aircraft to Europe or South Africa is a
major factor for buyers when purchasing an aircraft. Colin Steven of Embraer underlined the need for support to train and
identify local engineering specialists to support the expanding sector. The
panel also suggested that there was a strong market for smaller aircraft in the
region with over 50 small airfields available that can be used by the turbo prop
and light jet community.

The need for aircraft management
expertise was highlighted in such a young market. “Don’t learn the hard way,”
said Achuzie
Ezenagu, MD of Toucan Aviation
a local operator that serves the oil sector. The panel suggested that very few
of the aircraft based in Nigeria are using aircraft management companies which
can leave owners exposed to not extracting maximum value from their asset.
Management begins three or four months before the aircraft is purchased
suggested Ezenagu and advised potential owners to recognise that experience in
regulations, crewing, paperwork and safety amongst others will support the
aircraft operations in a young business aviation sector.

The issue of landing permits was
covered by the Trip Planners panel which noted that currently permits can take
between 48 - 72 hours to be granted. Nwankwo Ifeanyi
representing the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority said that a
transformation agenda was in process and recognised that automation of this
important issue would better serve the industry. Plans are in place to implement
automation sooner rather than later he continued.

Segun Demuren wound up the day-long
event thanking delegates for participating in this first-of-its-kind conference.
“Undoubtedly Nigeria is a significant player in the business aviation sector for
Africa and will play an important part in the development of the sector in the
region. This conference has demonstrated that whilst we have a lot of
opportunity we are still very much in our infancy and must aim to build the
infrastructure to support business aviation and the associated framework
necessary to create a solid base.”

Demuren confirmed that the event had
been more successful than he could have hoped for, and will be the first in a
series of annual meetings. “Plans are already in motion for the 2014 NBAC event
which we anticipate will be bigger and even better,” he said in conclusion. The
event finished with a farewell networking dinner sponsored by
Gulfstream.